Trooper’s family floods courtroom as suspect appears in court

DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) — The family of slain Virginia State Master Trooper Junius Walker thanked the public for their continued support as they left the courthouse Tuesday.

Inside Dinwiddie Circuit Court, Walker’s family members came face to face with Russell Brown, his alleged killer.

Brown kept his head down for most of the brief proceedings, which set a timetable for the rest of the trial.

Prosecutors and the defense agreed on the doctor that will perform a mental evaluation on Brown. That will determine if he is mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces and stand trial.

Since this is a capital murder trial, Brown could face the death penalty.

Much like the judicial process, the grieving process is taking time for Trooper Walker’s family. Pastor Steven Pugh spoke on behalf of the family.

“Every loss demands an appropriate season of grief,” said Pugh. “They just want justice to prevail and to remind the community not to stop praying for them. To pray that the right thing will be done.”

Brown’s lawyers declined to comment on the case.

The findings of the mental health evaluation will be released during Brown’s next court appearance on Jan 21.